Abstract

A process-based resource planning tool for sustainable development
Track: Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Affairs
Authors: Daniel Eriksson, Inna Cruz

The information management system for mine action, has its roots in humanitarian demining. It is however increasingly used in sustainable development. Having been developed with usability and flexibility as the two core principles, the tool makes it easier for users with limited computer literacy to manage information flows. The tool includes functionalities from the creation of paper-based survey forms to the production of maps and statistical reports.
This paper elaborates on the challenges that were faced during the development of the system. It is currently used in over 50 countries, on about 1'200 installations and 3'000 trained users. The tool is based on a combination of open source elements and proprietary software, like ESRI ArcEngine. It is a process-oriented spatial information system that has more in common with enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools in the commercial world than the spatially-oriented solutions that are more common in the international humanitarian community.